Many Languages, One Classroom

"This book fills a serious gap in our professional toolbox: How to design and implement curriculum for young children who are learning English as they continue to learn their home language.”  --Linda M. Espinosa, Ph.D., Former Professor of Early Childhood Education at the University of Missouri-Columbia

In classrooms across the country, teachers are encountering more children who are learning English, come from diverse backgrounds, and who speak a variety of languages. As challenging as this may be, a preschool teacher’s goal remains the same: to welcome all children and give them the best possible start in education and in life.

Even the most experienced teacher can feel a bit unsure about meeting the unique needs of children from different language backgrounds. Many Languages, One Classroom applies the latest information about best practices to all aspects of a preschool program. From using lists of key words and visual aids to using body language and gestures, the strategies you will find in this book are adaptable and easy to put into practice. Designed to fit any preschool curriculum, Many Languages, One Classroom addresses state standards and benchmarks of standard quality programming.

Organized by interest areas and times of the day, you’ll find everything you need to help English language learners during dramatic play, outdoor play, reading, science, blocks, and circle time. Each chapter has the following key components:

The Environment

Activities

Links to Standards

Family Connections

Technology Tips

Reflections

Many Languages, One Classroom is filled with ideas you can implement in your classroom to open the doors of literacy and learning for young English language learners.

Reviews

"I've been using "Many Languages, One Classroom" in my Language and Literacy Development class this semester and have found it to be an excellent resource for the students."

"This timely guide is designed to aid preschool teachers and administrators in supporting children's home language while helping them learn English...This invaluable resource makes a critical contribution to our understanding of this topic and the ability to teach dual language learners.
"

"An important tool for opening the door to literacy and learning for English learners."

• Introduction to Many Languages, One Classroom
• Meeting the Needs of Children from Different Language Backgrounds